With summer ending in Pacheco, now is an ideal time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t taken care of it lately, it could be full of mud and yard refuse. This buildup can decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or require replacement more quickly.
We advise having your air conditioning system professionally maintained annually. Why? A clean unit can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on electric expenses.
Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians discover and take care of small issues before they develop into costly problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we perform involves:
- Viewing the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Checking pressure and temperature
- Examining lines, refrigerant totals and connections
It’s not too late to have a tune-up done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepared for heating season too.
Schedule maintenance now
There’s also some maintenance you can do alone between professional tune-ups. It only takes about an hour to wash your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a few parts on your indoor HVAC system.
Related: How Often Should You Expect to Get Air Conditioning Service Done?
How to Clean Your Outside AC Unit
Pick a temperate day to scrub your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is best. That way, you can run your system once you’ve cleaned it.
You’ll only need a few tools:
- Wet-dry vacuum and hose with a soft brush attachment
- Screwdriver
- Butter knife
- Damp rag
- Small, round paintbrush
- Replacement furnace filter (if necessary)
Related: How AC Repair and Maintenance Can Actually Save You Money
5 Steps to Clean the Outside Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Switch off the electricity to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Empty rubbish from the unit. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then use the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These components are also known as condenser coils and move heat away from your unit.
You need to be careful with these fine coils. Bent or crinkled fins can influence efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to rearrange misshapen fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance parts store. A pro from Clean Air HVAC should handle severe damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After extracting the fan, fish out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then mop the inside of the unit with a wet rag.
The only coil cleaner you should use is water. Use light pressure from a hose nozzle to rinse the fins, showering water from the inside out. Put the fan back in once you’re done.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
Now it’s time to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not running like it should, give us a call at 925-233-6238.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
3 Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Turn off the juice to your furnace at the breaker box.
2. Check Your Filter
Furnace filters need to be replaced every few months, depending on the type you use.
Not sure when you last replaced yours? Remove it and angle it toward the light. If there’s no light visible, get a new one.
3. Clean the Inside
Remove the blower door and vacuum up dust.
Then examine your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a supple plastic tube. If it’s moldy, you can clean it by flowing diluted bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can buy a new tube.
Wash the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Connect the drain tube and switch the power back on.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner Running Well Through Fall
Never Forget a Tune-Up Again
Annual air conditioner maintenance from Clean Air HVAC can make your unit more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to schedule your regular maintenance!